And I asked myself with intense eagerness
if in the present situation, I might be able to discover these
secrets.
Then I thought of my companions, left behind on the shore of Black
Rock Creek. One of them, I knew, was wounded; perhaps the others were
also. Having seen me dragged overboard by the hawser, could they
possibly suppose that I had been rescued by the "Terror?" Surely not!
Doubtless the news of my death had already been telegraphed to Mr.
Ward from Toledo. And now who would dare to undertake a new campaign
against this "Master of the World"?
These thoughts occupied my mind as I awaited the captain's appearance
on the deck. He did not appear.
I soon began to feel very hungry; for I must have fasted now nearly
twenty-four hours. I had eaten nothing since our hasty meal in the
woods, even if that had been the night before. And judging by the
pangs which now assailed my stomach, I began to wonder if I had not
been snatched on board the "Terror" two days before,--or even more.
Happily the question if they meant to feed me, and how they meant to
feed me, was solved at once. The man at the bow left his post,
descended, and reappeared. Then, without saying a word, he placed
some food before me and returned to his place. Some potted meat,
dried fish, sea-biscuit, and a pot of ale so strong that I had to mix
it with water, such was the meal to which I did full justice.
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